Job description
Harborline Logistics is seeking a proactive Shipping Operations Manager to lead daily freight movements, carrier partnerships, and customer satisfaction from our Rotterdam hub. You will drive end-to-end shipping operations, optimize routing, and ensure compliance with international trade regulations.
In this role, you will collaborate with carriers, customs brokers, and internal teams to deliver on-time shipments while controlling costs and improving service levels.
What you’ll do: manage and optimize outbound and inbound shipments, negotiate rates, select carriers, and monitor performance metrics to drive continuous improvement. You’ll partner with sales, customer service, and warehousing to ensure flawless execution and proactive issue resolution. You will ensure customs compliance, accurate documentation, and alignment with INCOTERMS. You’ll lead process improvements using our ERP/WMS systems and mentor junior staff.
Why Harborline: competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and a dynamic, international team focused on growth and excellence.
Responsibility
- Own end-to-end shipping operations for inbound and outbound freight in Europe, including carrier selection, rate negotiation, and contract management.
- Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as on-time delivery, transit times, and freight costs; implement actionable improvements.
- Coordinate with customs brokers and internal teams to ensure compliant import/export documentation and filings.
- Manage carrier relationships, performance reviews, and cost optimization initiatives to reduce detention and demurrage.
- Lead process improvements in coordination with ERP/WMS (SAP/Oracle) and automate manual tasks to improve accuracy and efficiency.
- Communicate proactively with customers, sales, and operations to provide timely shipment updates and issue resolution.
- Ensure safety, security, and regulatory compliance in all shipping activities and warehousing practices.
- Mentor and develop junior logistics staff; oversee resource planning and training programs.
Qualification
- Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Business, or a related field.
- 5+ years of shipping/logistics operations experience, including freight forwarding, import/export, and carrier management.
- Strong knowledge of INCOTERMS, customs procedures, and EU export controls.
- Proficiency with ERP/WMS systems (SAP, Oracle, or similar) and advanced Excel skills.
- Excellent negotiation, communication, and cross-functional collaboration abilities.
- Demonstrated track record of cost optimization and service-level improvements.
- Detail-oriented, data-driven, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Fluency in English; Dutch language skills are a plus.